Open garden success

AN exhausted, but elated George Hoad is thrilled by the response to his ‘Art in the Garden’ Open Day, held on Sunday June 29 at his Killabakh property.

Art in the Garden at George Hoad's Winchelsea Gardens in Killabakh

More than 1000 people attended to admire the numerous sculptures and artworks on display in his six acre Winchelsea Gardens. “Everyone I spoke to was so complimentary and excited by the diversity and quality of the art, with many pieces being sold on the day and orders taken for more, George said.

“One of the aims of the day was to have such fabulous pieces of ‘garden art’ displayed, where people could admire them, and get an idea of how they might look in there own gardens.”

After a bleak Saturday night, with rain and howling winds lashing the region, Killabakh awoke to a sunny, pleasant Sunday and the crowds responded in droves.

The day raised $9000 for a charity close to George’s heart, Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, which provides care and accommodation for sick children and their families from across the Mid North Coast.

The quirky nature of George’s garden lends itself to such an event, which marked the closing of the Manning Winter Festival.

“It was great to conclude the 2014 Festival on such a high note, which has been a tremendous success over the past two weeks," George said.

“As MWF president I would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2014 Festival, from the event organisers to the public who supported the numerous events on offer, and especially to the Killabakh community, artists, family and friends who assisted in making my ‘Art in the Garden’ event such a success.”